Monthly Archives: February 2015

Pay Attention To These Maintenance Issues After Buying A Car

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Posted in General Auto News

Once you've looked through the selection at New Jersey State Auto Auction and chosen the car you want, you're likely ready to sign off on a loan and get behind the wheel as soon as possible. That's all well and good, but you shouldn't let too much time pass without paying attention to the maintenance the vehicle needs. 

After you drive off with your used car, be sure to focus on a few maintenance tasks that can improve the quality of the vehicle and save you money. 

1. Read the owner's manual 
It's not a specific servicing task, but you should take it upon yourself to look over the owner's manual. Get an idea for how often you should be changing the oil or replacing the brakes. While the manual may not spell out an exact schedule, it can give you a few ideas and guidelines on caring for the used car. 

2. Rotate and replace tires 
Although most aspects of the used car may be up to snuff, you should make sure the tires are ready to handle your brand of driving. People in New York and New Jersey, for example, should consider installing snow tires for the winter months. These wheels can be extremely helpful in inclement weather, and they also prolong the life of standard tires. At the very least, make sure you're rotating and aligning tires as needed, as this can improve fuel efficiency and driving performance. 

3. Maintain the battery
The last thing you want is to turn the key in the ignition and hear nothing. This may not be a common problem, but it can come about if you let battery care fall by the wayside. Make sure you're having the battery maintained as needed. You should also watch how you're using your vehicle's lights and radio when it's running on the battery. These simple tasks may drain the juice and leave you stranded, so be careful and keep an eye on the time. 

4. Clean the car
Any vehicle you drive off a car lot is bound to be clean and shiny, and you should take it upon yourself to keep it that way. Be sure to go through car washes, vacuum the interior and clear out any trash. Leftover debris inside your car can cause distractions and mask odors or sounds that would otherwise warn you of problems. Washing the exterior is even more important, as it protects against rust and corrosion.  

How To Fix Credit Report Mistakes

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Posted in Auto Loans & Financing News

Credit scores and reports are an important part of securing auto loans. Lenders need to be aware of your history so they can come up with terms regarding interest rates, loan length and other details. This is all fairly straightforward, but things can get complicated when mistakes are made in the process.

Mistakes on a credit report may have severe implications on your future finances, so you need to make sure all data is correct before signing off on a loan. Here are three steps to follow to ensure your report is accurate – even if it means contesting and fixing some errors. 

1. Get your report 
The first thing you have to do is get a copy of your credit report. Then you can look over your score and the factors that may be negatively impacting it. Any errors should be circled and clearly marked. Be sure to create your own copies for records as well. It's also important to get copies of your report from a few different credit bureaus, especially if you notice a mistake. The organizations may have different scores or errors that need to be remedied. 

2. Gather evidence
Once you identify a problem, it's up to you to collect proof of the error. You'll need to put together a dispute letter that follows the proper guidelines and support your claims with evidence. Again, be sure you're making copies of everything so you have backup in case something goes wrong. You should also send everything to the organization with certified mail, as a receipt can be sent to you upon the package's arrival. 

3. Be patient 
Then you wait. Credit report disputes usually take about 30 days to be settled, but if you haven't heard back within six to eight weeks, contact the organization again. Should the bureau recognize the mistake, it will fix the report, send you an updated history and let other providers know about the error. 

When you need a car to get to work and complete other responsibilities, all of this necessary waiting can be tough. Luckily, the entire process doesn't have to be dragged out across weeks. At NJ State Auto Auction, the financing department offers guaranteed credit approval and same-day purchasing options, allowing drivers to get behind the wheel quickly. 

Savvy Used Car Buyers Know About Auto Recalls

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Posted in Auto Industry News

Drivers have a lot of concerns to juggle. Whether they're worrying about gas prices, the next scheduled tune up or starting the process of buying a used car, motorists have to focus on all kinds of financial and practical needs. While this may take a lot of time, effort and brain power, it's not an excuse to let other bits of auto news fall by the wayside. In fact, people who strive to stay on top of current events in the industry may find they are able to make smarter decisions. 

Stay knowledgeable about recalls
One of the most important things drivers can do is pay attention to auto news. There were a record number of car recalls in 2014. Although some industry leaders believe this may be attributed to people being overly cautious about potential problems, it's an area that used car owners should focus on. It can be tough for these drivers to get alerts regarding updates, so motorists need to go the extra mile to stay safe – no matter what type of vehicle they're driving. 

"I'd rather have people be preemptive," Mark Rosekind, the chief of the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, told The Wall Street Journal. "… Safety should not be based on the price of your car." 

Used cars you can trust
If you want to get behind the wheel of a used car, the fear of recalls shouldn't stop you. In fact, there overwhelming odds are that there won't be an issue relating to your ride, as many of the initial bugs vehicles experienced have likely been worked out. This is also easy to verify. For example, the selection of used cars at NJ State Auto Auction is made up of Carfax-certified vehicles, making it easy to get a vehicle history report. 

Making an effort with used cars
The work doesn't stop once you've secured the car you want. Make sure you're staying up-to-date on the latest recalls and related events in the auto industry. You should also be ensuring you're giving your car the care it needs. Proper maintenance is essential to good performance and fuel efficiency, and by heading to a shop for regular tune ups, you can be sure experts are catching any issues. 

Drivers Still Care About Gas Prices

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Posted in General Auto News

Unless you've recently won the lottery, you're probably looking for ways to save money. One of the best methods for keeping cash in your wallet is to find savings at the gas station, and drivers around the country are doing their best to seek out affordable places to fill up. 

Drivers will always care about gas prices
According to a recent report from the National Association of Convenience Stores, most drivers are willing to go the extra mile – literally – for cheaper gas. More than 60 percent of people said they would drive five extra minutes if it meant they could save 5 cents on each gallon of fuel. Even more reported that they would pay by cash instead of card if it meant saving money. 

Additionally, about 71 percent of respondents stated that price was an important factor in choosing a location to fill up the tank, and about 65 percent say they participate in loyalty or rewards program to save even more money. 

"It doesn't matter whether gas prices are $4.00 or $2.00 per gallon, consumers still want to find the best price possible," said Jeff Lenard, NACS vice president of strategic industry initiatives. "Retailers are constantly fighting to attract price-sensitive drivers to their stores, especially given that 35 percent of gas customers say that they also go inside the store after fueling." 

Gas prices may be turning around
Although the average cost of a gallon of gas has been dropping steadily, that trend may be coming to an end. The most recent AAA report noted that gas prices increased about 2 cents per gallon during the first week of February. That brings the national average to $2.06 per gallon, which is still a considerable drop from the same time last year. 

"Many drivers are noticing an uptick in gas prices for the first time in months," said Avery Ash, AAA spokesman. "It is typical to see gas prices increase this time of year due to refinery issues, yet hopefully the consumer impact will be less problematic given how low prices are today."

Anyone who is still concerned about how much they are spending on fuel should check out the efficient options at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot has hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars, and one of these vehicles could be a huge advantage for drivers trying to save. 

Car Loans Should Continue To Grow In 2015

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Posted in Auto Loans & Financing News

In today's world, even used cars are expensive. While you may be grateful for the high quality and longevity of these vehicles, the corresponding price tag is not as welcome. In fact, the expensive nature of used cars is forcing many people to turn to financing options such as auto loans. This is nothing new, but it's still important for would-be motorists to brush up on their knowledge and know the basics of financing. 

The importance of car loans
According to NPR, the number of people using car loans to get behind the wheel is reaching an all-time high. It's expected to remain relatively steady throughout 2015. That should be good news for many prospective buyers, as the average cost of used cars has been increasing, which makes auto loans necessary. 

"The ability to provide auto financing – be it prime or nonprime – is very important for our economy and for the health of our citizens in keeping people employed and money coming in," Jack Tracey, of the National Automotive Finance Agency, told NPR. "Not everybody can get on a bus and go to a job. Most people in the country need to have transportation."

Popularity is surging
Many lenders are prepared to continue growing auto loans in 2015. Automotive News reported that, while organizations are being cautious, they are still ready to provide loans for prime and subprime borrowers. The key will be to remain disciplined and provide options that benefit everyone. For example, many people agree to longer-term loans because it lowers monthly payments. These can be advantageous for lenders as well, as they can offer different interest rates and appeal to a wider range of people. 

Finding the right option
Although subprime auto loans are popular, it can still be tough for drivers to find a financing option that works for them. This is especially true for anyone who may be in a difficult financial situation or those who aren't familiar with car loans. The financing department at NJ State Auto can be a huge advantage if this is the case. A team of experts is available to help drivers secure credit approval and sort through all of the potential loan options. As a bonus, this entire process can be done quickly, allowing you to get behind the wheel in a timely manner. 

3 Tips For Keeping Maintenance Costs Low

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Posted in General Auto News

One of the biggest expenses you could face as a driver is car maintenance and repairs. Although these may take a backseat to insurance and loan repayments, you still need to budget for surprise costs and regular preventative maintenance. Planning for these expenses may be daunting, but there are ways you can keep your budget in check. Be sure to remember these three tips for keeping your car maintenance bills manageable. 

1. Brush up on your knowledge
Even if a mechanic is the one doing the actual repairs, you should have a basic understanding of the tasks that need to be completed. The Internet makes it easy to troubleshoot potential issues and have a general idea of what the diagnosis will be. This allows you to budget for likely tasks and avoid being blindsided by major repairs. If you think something may be wrong with your automobile, make sure you take the time to compile a list of symptoms or red flags you've noticed. You can pass along this information to ensure a mechanic is examining all aspects of the car. 

2. Search for special deals 
Standard maintenance, which could range from oil changes to tire rotation, may not seem so costly. However, these relatively low-key procedures can add up to an expensive investment over time, which means you should constantly be on the lookout for ways to save. Whether you use coupons or build a relationship with a mechanic to have a trusted advisor, the effort could pay off in the long run. 

3. Make the change when it's needed
At some point, the extensive repairs your car needs will become too much of a money pit. The last thing you want is to be pouring cash into a vehicle – especially if you're paying more than the car is worth. Know when to cut the cord. Take a moment to look over your finances, including figuring out how much your current ride is worth and determining how much you're funneling into it. 

You can find a great used car to invest in at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot is home to hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars, trucks and vans, any of which could meet your needs. Search for an option that offers high quality at a low price. You can even work with the financing department to secure a loan and keep your expenses low. 

New Jersey Bill Protects Car Owners

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Posted in Auto Loans & Financing News

Anyone who has ever borrowed money has likely been concerned about paying it back. It doesn't matter if it's $5 from a friend or thousands from a huge company – the odds are you have some sort of plan to make up the amount. Unfortunately for borrowers, some lenders are more forgiving about repayments than others, and those large organizations are usually the most ruthless of all. But people who take out car loans may soon have some wiggle room when it comes to working off these debts. 

Protecting borrowers at every turn 
Currently, some cars have what's known as a "kill switch." These devices have the ability to shut down a vehicle remotely, which often gives lenders the power to locate the car and even disable it if payments are missed. There's even a chance the switch is added to a loan agreement. However, usage could soon change in New Jersey. Local officials from the Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee recently pushed out a bill that would ban the use of kill switches, according to NJ.com. 

"No one should have their car disabled because they missed a payment by a day or two," said the bill sponsor, Assemblyman Paul Moriarty (D – Washington Township) in a statement. "These devices are akin to having a predatory debt collector riding in the car with the borrower, ready to strike at the slightest mistake. It's incredibly unsafe and unnecessary. We need this bill to protect the safety and privacy of consumers."

Not only do the politicians believe these devices are unethical, but they also argue that they're incredibly unsafe. Cars could be shut down in the middle of traffic or leave drivers stranded in an unfamiliar location, according to the source. Eliminating their use will keep all motorists safe while also removing a layer of stress facing many borrowers. 

Prevent problems with the right loan
Borrowers can increase the likelihood of on-time payments by signing off on a loan that makes sense for them. That's exactly what they'll find at NJ State Auto Auction. The lot has an on-site financing department that can work with buyers to find the right agreement for all parties involved. They also offer guaranteed credit approval and have many options for people who may not have the best credit history. 

Super Bowl Car Commercials: 3 Things We Learned

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Posted in Celebrity Auto News

Chances are you were one of the hundreds of millions of people who tuned into the Super Bowl. While fans of the New England Patriots are reveling in their championship joy and the Seattle Seahawks faithful are in despair over play calling, those with no rooting interest are probably more interested in the commercials.

There were plenty of memorable ads that aired during the big game, but some stood out more than others. Many of these spots came from the auto industry. While there were fewer commercials from automakers than in recent years, the spots certainly had some resonance. Here's three things we learned from these ads.  

1. Technology matters
Chevrolet decided to give Super Bowl viewers – all 100-million plus of them – a brief scare in the early minutes of the game. The ad began with a Super Bowl introduction before the screen abruptly cut to black. Then it returned with a simple message: "What would you do if your TV went out?" Although viewers were likely breathing huge sighs of relief, they also got the chance to think about the Chevy Colorado and its built-in Wi-Fi. 

In another tech-centric ad, BMW used a 20-year-old clip from "The Today Show," which featured anchors Katie Couric and Bryant Gumbel attempting to talk about the Internet. Then the scene cut to the present day, with the two newscasters sitting in a BMW and trying to wrap their minds around the new advancements. 

2. We love adventure 
Automakers have long tried to appeal to drivers' sense of adventure. That's certainly what Jeep was going for in its ad. The 90-second commercial including some sweeping shots of global landscapes, all set to "This Land is Your Land." The Detroit Free Press noted that this "Beautiful Lands" campaign aims to raise awareness of safe water supplies as well as Jeep models. 

3. Humor is overrated 
In the past, commercials have competed to be the funniest of the night. They usually employ a combination of celebrities, athletes and outrageous situations. This year was a bit different. Although Fiat elicited some chuckles with a spot centered around a special blue pill enhancing a 500X crossover, many commercials were a bit somber, with several focusing on fathers, life lessons and sharing special moments. 

With something for everyone, these commercials may have struck a chord with prospective buyers. If that's the case for you, be sure to head to New Jersey State Auto Auction, which has hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars for sale.